TSO CHUAN

( (Chinese: Tso's Commentary), ) Pinyin Zuo Zhuan, ancient commentary on the Ch'un-ch'iu, and the first sustained narrative work in Chinese literature. The Ch'un-ch'iu, the first Chinese chronological history, chronicles events during the Spring and Autumn period (770476 BC) of China's history. The Tso chuan is a detailed commentary on this work and provides extensive narrative accounts and ample background materials concerning the events chronicled in the Ch'un-ch'iu. The Tso chuan also provides authentic historical documents and written evidences (though fragmentary) of the philosophical schools of the time. As such, the Tso chuan is a comprehensive account of the principal political, social, and military events of the entire Spring and Autumn period. The commentary also occupies a seminal place in the history of Chinese literature because of its influential narrative style. Historical events and personages are presented directly through action and speech, and the book's third-person narrative is notable for its orderly structure and clear and laconic presentation. The Tso chuan was once believed to have been written by Tso, an ancient historian about whom virtually nothing is known (his last name may have been Ch'iu-ming). The Tso chuan is now believed to have been compiled by an anonymous author during the early part of the Warring States period (475221 BC). The Tso chuan is listed among the Nine, Twelve, and Thirteen Classics. See also Ch'un-ch'iu.